“It means go and make your own way. Show the world how strong and smart you are. You’ve outgrown us.” He held Tracy’s hand and glanced back at Marisol. It was a mistake to turn his back on her even if she was his daughter, but he trusted Tracy with his life. His friends would say that was a mistake as well, but he knew something about Tracy everyone else had overlooked. She had no one but him. That sad fact would make her loyal to her last day.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Marisol asked again. Her tone had changed from condescending to fearful.

“It means you’re a free agent and no longer part of my organization. You think me weak, and I’m not going to try to change your mind about that. I’m not so weak, though, that I’m going to sit and take this kind of shit from you. Get the fuck out of my house.”

“You can’t do that. I’m your family, your heir.” Marisol lost her bravado as fast as he’d made up his mind to cut her loose. “Papa, don’t do this.”

“What are you talking about? You’ve sat here telling me how whatever I need is beneath you. Leave before I have you thrown on the street with nothing.” He tugged Tracy ahead of him and opened the door for Marisol, who seemed glued to the spot where she stood. “Don’t make me say it again.”

“I don’t want to go. If you need me to go and meet with Carlos, I will.” She was as close to pleading as she’d ever been.

“Get out, and be grateful you’re not dead, Marisol. I’ve given you too many chances, and I’m done, daughter or not.” He motioned for the guard, but Marisol moved before the guy could touch her. “Be careful what you do next.”

“You should do the same,” Marisol said with a conviction that made him smile.

“I’m not the one who’s a slow learner, mi hija. Your usual way is to smash everything in sight, but not everything in life needs to be broken. Remember that, and don’t get in my way.”

✥ ✥ ✥

Cain leaned against a tree about a hundred feet from where Shelby and Joe drove up and stopped on her property. Both agents were staring at the spot where two camp chairs, various cameras, and what appeared to be surveillance equipment were set up but abandoned. She smiled at the three large German shepherds standing on their hind legs barking and snarling around one tree.